Deep within the emerald jungles of Kerala, nestled amongst towering trees with leaves the size of dinner plates, lived a young boy named Rohan. Rohan had eyes as dark as the richest cocoa beans and a mischievous grin that could melt any heart faster than a bar of chocolate under the midday sun. One scorching afternoon, while playing near the gurgling Meenachil River, Rohan stumbled upon something extraordinary.
“Woah!” he exclaimed, his voice echoing through the stillness. Tucked away behind a curtain of lush creepers, there it was – a hidden stream, its water shimmering a color unlike anything he’d ever seen. It wasn’t the usual blue or green, but a rich, deep brown, like hot chocolate. Curiosity bubbling within him, Rohan peeked closer.
“Hello?” he called out hesitantly.
A gentle voice, like the clinking of tiny bells, answered from behind a large banyan tree. “Who’s there?”
Rohan cautiously stepped forward. There, sitting beneath the shade of the tree, was an old woman. Her silver hair was braided with vibrant red hibiscus flowers, and her warm brown eyes sparkled with a wisdom that seemed to come from a bygone era.
“I’m Rohan,” he said, his voice barely a whisper.
The woman smiled. “Greetings, Rohan. I am Amara, the keeper of this secret place.”
Intrigued, Rohan blurted out, “Why is the water brown?”
Amara chuckled, a sound like wind chimes dancing in the breeze. “This, my dear boy, is no ordinary stream. It is the legendary Chocolate Stream, its waters infused with the essence of the finest cocoa beans.”
Rohan’s eyes widened. Chocolate? Flowing like a river? He could barely imagine it.
Amara seemed to read his mind. “Take a cup,” she said, her wrinkled hand offering a small, intricately carved coconut shell.
Hesitantly, Rohan dipped the cup into the stream. The water, cool and surprisingly smooth, filled the shell. He brought it to his lips, his heart pounding with anticipation.
One sip, and a wave of pure magic washed over him. The taste was unlike any chocolate he’d ever had. It was sweet, creamy, with a hint of spice that danced on his tongue. It was the taste of happiness, of childhood dreams coming true.
“Wow!” Rohan exclaimed, his eyes wide with wonder.
Amara smiled knowingly. “This stream is a gift, Rohan. But remember, its secret must be kept. The world is not ready for this kind of magic.”
Rohan nodded solemnly, the promise hanging heavy in the air. He spent the rest of the afternoon with Amara, listening to stories of her childhood, of mischievous monkeys and talking parrots. As the sun began to dip below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple, it was time to leave.
With a heavy heart, Rohan said his goodbyes. He walked away, the taste of the magical chocolate lingering on his lips, a secret treasure locked away in his heart. He knew that the hidden stream would forever be his special place, a reminder of the extraordinary day he encountered the magic of the Chocolate Stream.
This post was created for the Blogaberry Creative (Monthly) Challenge.